Wednesday, February 16, 2011

Why I Workout In The Morning

The only times I workout after noon is when I'm taking a class at the gym or running with friends. Here's why:
  • It gets me up, out of bed and my day started
  • I love the few minutes of quiet time Woody and I have together while we're walking to the gym
  • The endorphin boost from a great cardio workout gives me the energy I need to get through my day
  • The treadmill/elliptical is a great place to catch up on the news and current events
  • The gym isn't as busy and the streets are still pretty quiet
  • I love seeing the sun rise during my run and imagining all the possibilities of the day
  • I can accomplish more by 10am on a Saturday than some people will all day
  • Because there's always a chance that my plans for the day can get turned upside down and I won't have time to get to the gym after work
As you know, Tuesday night is when I take a Zumba class at our gym. I had this on my calendar and had left my stuff in a locker at the gym, but when I checked Twitter on the way to work I saw a DM from MamaSpohr, a good friend who I met when I first moved out here who moved back to LA quite a few years ago. She is in town with her husband and adorable little girl (who we hadn't met yet) for a few days and wanted to get together for lunch. Even though my day at work had quickly spiraled out of control, there was no way I could turn this down. I emailed Woody and he was in too. We met for lunch and had a great time catching up. It was so fun to see them! Even though it meant I missed Zumba last night, it was totally worth it. Life can present fantastic little surprises that alter even the best made plans. If I always planned to workout after work, it probably wouldn't happen all that often.

I had a great workout this morning on the treadmill. Things were clicking not long after I started running and I felt really good. Worked up a good sweat to start the day! Today I didn't do any strength training and chose to extended my usual cool-down walk instead. While I didn't sleep very well last night this run gave me energy and I don't feel one bit tired!

Have a great day!!
  • Do you workout in the morning or at night?
  • Why do you prefer that?
  • What's your favorite benefit you get from working out?
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Today's workout -
5mile run
extra-long cool down
1x50sec plank
lots of stretching

8 comments:

J said...

Yes to morning workouts!! I always have trouble going to the gym after work! I love running and seeing the sun rise! It is amazing to be out and running before most of the world is awake!

Anne said...

Because my work schedule allows it, I tend to workout in the afternoons. However, when I do get a workout done in the mornings, I love the feeling!

KT80 said...

I also like to workout in the morning. When I first started working out, waiting until the end of the day made it feel like another thing to do in the day. Now that I enjoy working out more, I don't mind working out at the end of the day, but it still feels better to start my day with a workout. No matter what happens, the first thing I have done that day is accomplished a workout and done something healthy for myself.

gracekelle said...

I hate waking up in the morning earlier than I need to, but you're right- there's nothing better than knowing that you've accomplished more than most people will do in their entire day.

The sun rising earlier definitely helps the mood too!

Stacey said...

I love the early morning workout and being with it before the rest of the world is out of bed...
I know if I don't do it first thing, it just won't get done..there is always an excuse later in the day.

Rose @ Eat, Drink, and Be Meiri said...

"Because there's always a chance that my plans for the day can get turned upside down and I won't have time to get to the gym after work"

This happens to me a ton. but, I still can't bring myself to work out early more than once a week. Mostly because my stomach is not down with running early in the morning.

Lauren said...

I would really like to work out in the morning, but never get up in time to go. My alarm goes off and I fall back to sleep. How do you get up and stay up in the early morning?

However, I do enjoy working out in the afternoon (especially since I get out of work by 4) because it allows me to shake off the stress from the day. Also, I usually have more energy in the afternoon.

Penny said...

I am a early morning girl. Otherwise it does not get done. In the spring I love running in the morning when not very many people are up yet. I love listening to the birds sing in the mornings and watching the sun rise. You get to see some pretty sun rises. It is just me and the world. I love doing my workout in the morning that way I dont have to think about getting it in the rest of the day. And it just make for a good way to start my day.